Job Description
Role Summary
Ford is seeking a senior Launch Support Engineer - Exteriors to support Advanced EV vehicle launches. This role serves as the on-site technical liaison between the Irvine design team and manufacturing, quality, supplier, and launch teams. The focus is launch execution, issue resolution, and cross-functional leadership-not TPM or hands-on design work.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead exterior systems launch support during vehicle builds, inspections, and validation
Drive daily alignment through startup meetings, floor reviews, and cross-functional issue forums
Identify build risks, inspection needs, trials, and issues requiring escalation
Serve as the primary technical interface between design engineering and on-site teams
Review CAD (CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE) to assess design intent, interfaces, tolerances, build feasibility, and launch risk
Apply engineering fundamentals (GD&T, fit-and-finish, A-surface, sealing, water management) to resolve issues
Lead and support problem-solving activities, including PPAP and A/B problem solving
Support paint trials, quality investigations, and manufacturing process improvements
Ensure exterior systems meet design, functional, and appearance expectations at launch
Technical Scope - Exterior Systems:
Fascias, glazing, exterior trim
Wiper/washer and exterior lighting systems
Injection-molded plastics, thermoformed components, glazing materials, exterior finishes
Interfaces between exterior systems and body structure
We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected] learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.
Skills and Requirements
8+ years automotive experience with OEM launch support
Strong design engineering background with prior hands-on experience
Proven success in fast-paced launch environments with manufacturing, quality, and suppliers
CAD review experience in CATIA 3DX (CATIA V5 or Siemens NX acceptable)
Strong understanding of GD&T, fit-and-finish, A-surface quality, sealing, and water management
Familiarity with issue-tracking systems (e.g., JIRA) On-site manufacturing or launch experience
High-volume production and automation exposure
Exterior systems supplier experience
Background at Ford (preferred), Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, GM, or other OEMs
